Comfrey (Symphytum 'Goldsmith')

Overview

Symphytum ‘Goldsmith’, a striking cultivar of Comfrey, is prized by gardeners primarily for its outstanding variegated foliage rather than herbal use. This herbaceous perennial forms a beautiful low-spreading clump, making it a reliable anchor in mixed borders and shade gardens where its golden-edged leaves truly shine. While many Comfrey varieties spread aggressively, Symphytum ‘Goldsmith’ is noted for being generally more restrained and easier to manage.

Its appearance is highlighted by light green, crinkled leaves edged in bright golden yellow, creating year-round visual interest even outside the mid-spring bloom period. The delicate, bell-shaped flowers, ranging from pink to blue to white, emerge in drooping clusters, echoing the look of Virginia bluebells. Growing Symphytum ‘Goldsmith’ offers a dependable splash of texture and color for gardeners looking for low-maintenance perennials.

This Comfrey cultivar establishes well in a variety of conditions, tolerating conditions from full sun down to part shade, provided the soil moisture is adequate. Gardeners should appreciate its handsome display and the fact that it resists common garden pests like deer, adding reliable structure to the landscape design.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Boraginaceae
• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4-8
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 0.75-1 ft
  • Spread: 1-1.5 ft
• Bloom Time: May to June
• Bloom Description: Pink to blue to white
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Water Needs: Medium
• Maintenance Level: Medium

How to Grow

For optimal growth, plant Symphytum ‘Goldsmith’ in average, well-drained soil. While Comfrey performs best in moist, organically rich sites, this cultivar possesses respectable drought tolerance, allowing it to persist even in drier, shadier spots once established. Planting during the spring or fall provides the best opportunity for the roots to settle before temperature extremes.

Established plants require medium water, though they appreciate consistent moisture, especially during dry spells in summer. Fertilizing is generally unnecessary if the soil is organically rich; excessive feeding can sometimes lead to overly lush, floppy growth. Trim the foliage as needed to maintain the desired shape or after the main bloom flush to tidy the appearance of Symphytum ‘Goldsmith’.

One crucial element of care involves management, as many Comfreys can spread widely via creeping rhizomes. Though this specific variety is generally more restrained, prompt attention is key. Cutting back stems immediately after flowering may encourage a secondary, lighter rebloom period later in the season.

Though Comfrey has historic roots in medicinal use, remember that the leaves of Symphytum ‘Goldsmith’ should not be ingested; it is cultivated strictly for ornamental value. Propagation is straightforward using root cuttings or simple division of established clumps.

Landscape Uses

Symphytum ‘Goldsmith’ excels in locations where its variegated foliage can brighten darker corners or act as a low, textural edge plant. It is highly recommended for borders, where its 1-foot height provides a neat, tidy foreground element that avoids overwhelming smaller companions. Design this Comfrey cultivar into woodland gardens or naturalized settings where its slightly wild appearance fits naturally into the aesthetic.

Consider planting this striking Comfrey in cottage gardens where its mounding shape contrasts beautifully with more upright or airy perennials. Because it tolerates shade and dry conditions, it serves a functional role under high tree canopies where other flowering plants might struggle. Its variegated leaves also make it an excellent choice for repeating low-level texture throughout shaded areas of the garden landscape.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy

Noteworthy Characteristics

Comfrey is generally a coarse hairy rhizomatous perennial that is typically grown in borders or shade gardens for its attractive foliage and Virginia bluebell-like spring flowers. Some species of comfrey (e.G., S. Officinale) have been grown in medicinal herb gardens for several centuries for the purported healing properties of the leaves and roots when applied as a poultice to inflamations and wounds. It should be noted, however, that the leaves are poisonous if ingested.Genus name comes from the Greek words symphyo meaning to grow together and phyton for plant as the plant was believed to help heal wounds. Symphytum ‘Goldsmith’ is a variegated hybrid comfrey cultivar (parentage unknown) that typically grows in a low-spreading clump to 12” tall. It features light green crinkled leaves (to 4” long) that are edged with golden yellow. Bell-shaped, bluebell-like, pink to blue to white flowers appear in drooping clusters (scorpiod cymes) in mid-spring to early summer. ‘Goldsmith’ is not grown for herbal reasons. ‘Goldsmith’ is sometimes listed and sold as a cultivar of S. Grandiflorum. ‘Goldsmith’ is also synonymous with S. Ibericum ‘Jubilee’.

Tolerances

• Deer
• Drought

Potential Problems

Symphytum ‘Goldsmith’ is generally favored by gardeners because it faces few serious insect or disease challenges under normal circumstances. Be aware, however, that succulent new foliage can attract slugs and snails, especially in damp, shaded environments. Manage these early season pests by inspecting the underside of the leaves regularly and applying appropriate control measures like slug bait or attracting beneficial predators.

Overall, this Comfrey cultivar is sturdy and resilient, making it a relatively low-fuss addition to the garden once its rhizomatous spreading habit is accounted for in the design.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Comfrey suitable for?

Symphytum ‘Goldsmith’ is best suited for USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 8.

How large does Symphytum ‘Goldsmith’ grow?

This perennial typically reaches a manageable height between 0.75 to 1 foot tall, spreading outward to be between 1 and 1.5 feet wide.

When does Comfrey bloom?

The blooms appear mid-season, generally from May through June, presenting attractive pink to blue to white flowers.

What sun exposure does Symphytum ‘Goldsmith’ need?

This plant performs well in conditions ranging from full sun exposure to partial shade, though it appreciates consistent moisture in either setting.

Conclusion

Symphytum ‘Goldsmith’ offers exceptional value through its highly ornamental, variegated foliage that brightens borders and shade gardens alike. This easy-to-grow Comfrey variety features beautiful spring color and robust resilience against deer browse. Before planting, ensure your site aligns with USDA Zone 4-8 requirements, and plan to manage its moderate water needs for the best display.

Propagation Tips

As Symphytum ‘Goldsmith’ is a rhizomatous perennial, division is the most effective propagation method for home gardeners. The best time to divide established clumps of Comfrey is in early spring just as new growth is emerging, or in the fall after the foliage has died back. Carefully dig out a section of rootstock, ensuring the division has healthy crown tissue attached. A small section of root left behind can often sprout new plants, underscoring the importance of thorough removal when attempting to control spread. Root cuttings also work well; simply bury short pieces of healthy root horizontally just beneath the soil surface the following spring.

Companion Planting Guiding Principles

Given the shade tolerance and medium moisture needs of Symphytum ‘Goldsmith’, successful companion plants should thrive in similar mixed-sun environments while offering contrasting textures. Pair the coarse, large leaves of this Comfrey with fine-textured ferns or delicate woodland phlox (Phlox divaricata) to maximize visual contrast. Avoid pairing it too closely with aggressively spreading groundcovers, as the Comfrey will require space to establish its own root system without competition. Because it is deer-resistant, it pairs well with less palatable, shade-loving perennials like Hosta varieties that deer typically target.